The Road to Sturgis (2022): Chasing Adventure, One Mile at a Time
There’s a certain magic in the word “Sturgis.” For years, it conjured up images of endless chrome, thunderous engines, and a wild, rolling family of riders. Back in 2022, it was finally my turn to see what all the fuss was about. My first Sturgis. My first group ride to the rally. My expectations? High. My excitement? Off the charts.
Packing for the Unknown
Planning a long-haul motorcycle trip is its own kind of thrill. I’ve done my share of distance rides, but this was different—packing everything onto a Harley, not my usual GS with its cavernous storage.
The stories you hear about what people bring on these trips are legendary: spare batteries, gear shifters, even the proverbial kitchen sink. Me? I kept it real—tools, tire kit, a few more extras, and yes, my espresso maker. Priorities, right?
My Road King was barely broken in, but it was ready to roll, and so was I.
The Brotherhood (and the Occasional Slacker)
We met before dawn, a handful of riders buzzing with anticipation (and maybe too much coffee). There’s something special about that first gathering—watching headlights roll in, engines idling, everyone sizing up the day ahead. Of course, there’s always one who’s late, but hey, what’s a road trip without a little chaos?
Our route took us over Snoqualmie Pass, through Yakima, and into the Tri Cities, where we picked up “Darkside Dave”—a legend in his own right, piloting a Goldwing with a car tire on the back. The group dynamic was already taking shape: a couple of true adventurers, a few who preferred the safe route, and me, itching for the unknown.
Chasing Canyons and Chasing Spirit
Day two brought us to Hells Canyon—a detour debated but ultimately embraced. I’m always on the “let’s do it” side when someone promises an epic road, and thankfully, a few of my buddies were too.
The ride was pure bliss: relentless curves, stunning views, and that feeling you only get when you’re a little bit lost and loving it. Not everyone in the group was up for the extra miles, and I’ll admit, I was puzzled by the lack of adventure spirit from some. But that’s the beauty of group rides—you find your tribe within the tribe.
Rain, Risk, and Reward
Yellowstone greeted us with rain and buffalo traffic jams, but spirits stayed high. The real test came with Beartooth Pass. Closed? Maybe. Worth the risk? Absolutely. Some riders balked at the idea of backtracking, but after a little convincing (and a nudge from a fellow traveler at the motel fire pit), we went for it. The payoff? Well, look at all these happy faces!
Epic roads, challenge coins, and memories that’ll last longer than any detour ever could.
Need your moment of Zen? The (almost) full video via Chief Joseph and Beartooth below:
The Bonds That Matter
By the time we hit Red Lodge and then Sheridan, the group had found its rhythm. As if the past two passes weren’t enough, one more between lunch and our stay for the night. The grin got even bigger….
Bourbon, cigars, and the kind of banter that only comes after a day of shared adventure. Some riders I’d follow anywhere, any time. Others, well, maybe they’re more about the destination than the journey. And that’s okay. Every group ride is a mix of personalities, but it’s the ones who chase the horizon with you that make the trip unforgettable.
Arrival: Sturgis Delivers
Rolling towards Rapid City and then Sturgis itself, the energy was electric. Motorcycles everywhere, the air thick with anticipation and exhaust. We made our first rally stop at Devil’s Tower, grabbed some huckleberry ice cream, and soaked in the spectacle. Sturgis didn’t disappoint.
The real adventure, though, was the road that got us there—and the friends who made every mile count.
Roaming Cage Free 
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